Method for installing a seating diaphragm to a seating frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching and removing fabric diaphragms from seating frames, especially those under high tension, are complex and time-consuming, often leading to dimensional inconsistencies and difficulties in maintaining tension during installation and removal, particularly in field installations where the frame cannot be disassembled.
Innovation Solution
A novel attachment system using a coil member and adapter strip that complements the weave of the fabric, allowing for easy installation and removal of pre-tensioned diaphragms by sliding them into position without compromising tension, utilizing a coil member with a series of loops that can be threaded through channels in the seating frame, and optionally aided by a retainer sheet to maintain tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a welt cord is used to feed the diaphragm into a channel, then the diaphragm can be installed, but the method becomes increasingly difficult as tension increases and causes dimensional inconsistencies and warping
Solution Approach 1:
A coil member is introduced as an intermediary attachment between the diaphragm and the channel. The coil member engages with the channel and provides a secure attachment point for the diaphragm, allowing installation without directly pulling on the diaphragm edges through the channel, thereby preventing warping and dimensional inconsistencies
Solution Approach 2:
The coil member is pre-formed with a configuration that allows it to be attached to the diaphragm before installation. The coil member's loops are pre-positioned to engage with the channel, enabling the diaphragm to be fed into place without manual manipulation that could cause distortion
2Reliability
If high tension is applied to the diaphragm for comfort and safety, then comfort and safety requirements are met, but installation and removal become difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coil member provides a dynamic attachment mechanism that can easily transition between installed and removed states. The coil's flexible structure allows it to engage with and disengage from the channel quickly, enabling rapid installation and removal of the diaphragm while maintaining high tension for comfort and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate components: the coil member attached to the diaphragm and the channel in the frame. This segmentation allows the coil member to be independently manipulated for quick engagement and disengagement, reducing installation and removal time without compromising the tensioned state of the diaphragm
3Manufacturing precision
If special tools and equipment are used for installation and removal, then high tension diaphragms can be installed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil member serves as a simple intermediary attachment that eliminates the need for complex special tools. The coil's structure naturally provides the mechanical advantage needed to handle high tension diaphragms, and it can be manipulated with basic hand tools or even by hand, reducing device complexity while maintaining installation capability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention is directed to a method for installing a seating diaphragm to a seating frame, wherein said diaphragm (300) comprises an open weave of warp and weft yarns defining a plurality of openings (306) therebetween. The method first comprises stretching the diaphragm (300) to a desired tension, whereby each of said openings (306) in the diaphragm has a tensioned size and shape. A retainer sheet (310) is provided for maintaining the desired tension of the diaphragm (300) when it is installed onto the seating frame. The retainer sheet comprises a base membrane (316) having a plurality of projections (312) projecting outwardly therefrom. Each of the projections (312) has a cross-sectional size and shape that complements the tensioned size and shape of each of the openings (306) in the diaphragm (300). The retainer sheet (310) is attached to the stretched diaphragm (300) by inserting each projection in a respective opening of the diaphragm. The diaphragm (300) is subsequently installed to the seating frame. The retainer sheet (310) is typically removed from the diaphragm (300) after the diaphragm is installed onto the seating frame, e.g., by peeling it off the diaphragm.